At each licensing stage, the CNSC determines whether the licence applicant is qualified and has made adequate provisions for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security.

Before a licence is issued, environmental assessments may be carried out to determine, and help mitigate, foreseeable risks. Applicants must also demonstrate that the required measures are in place to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed. The CNSC encourages licensees to not only meet applicable standards, but to exceed them in order to make them as safe as possible for Canadians.

If satisfied with the application submitted and the programs required for safe operation, the CNSC may issue a licence that contains appropriate conditions. CNSC operating licences are for closed term periods, and are subject to renewal on the basis of compliance with the licence terms.

CNSC staff conduct inspections of licensed facilities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and licence conditions so that facilities are operated safely and securely.

Another important aspect of CNSC oversight of uranium processing and fuel fabrication facilities involves the protection of nuclear materials as part of our international obligations for nuclear safeguards. As part of these obligations, Canada has a national accounting system for nuclear materials including inspections to ensure all materials are verifiably accounted for.